Blue Yonder

I've been looking at 2005s for sale, but ran across a 2006. What are the differences between the 2 seats in design and comfort?

Thanks!

Chuck S

The 2005 and 2006 cars look alike other than slight wheel and seat changes but are different in the engine and chassis. All I can say is my 2006 seats are fine. The lack of the helmet hole present in the earlier headrest seems a cosmetic difference.

I'd not even consider the seat differences when shopping for a car. The 2006 cars are a generational upgrade from the 2004-2005 cars with dozens of changes to include a more compliant rear suspension and DBW engine control with traction control and stability assist both of which help in those aw-poop moments and which can be switched off when playing rally driver. The DBW engines can be tuned via the ODB2 port and the OE ECU, a feature that significantly and conveniently increases mid-range power.

-- Chuck

Langelo DeMysterioso

Previous to '05 the seats have the helmet hole and after '06 the hole was eliminated. As was said the after 06 I believe there are some chassis/floor differences. I think you will need to swap seat rails to get the 05's into the '06s and vice versa. I love the look of the 05's but I've had both and the comfort level is similar However I found that my '05 seats reclined slightly more than my '09 seats Another difference you will find will be the difference in the leather used in the different model years.. .

lookstoomuch

As mentioned by others, don't let seat differences steer you away from the '06, but focus on the other changes. Some people curse them, others praise.

Having tuned mine, I wouldn't fall back to an earlier version it makes a huge difference.

silenc3x

The major differences you'll want to consider, as mentioned previously, is the DBW, traction control and tunability of the 06+ models. I'd rather not have DBW personally, but the ease in which you can tune the 06+ cars is a major benefit. Consider all variables. If you want to tune the 05 model you'll be looking at $2k to $3k for AEM/Doctronics/Kpro and a tune. And if you'll want to keep your ODBII port to pass emissions (depending on state) you can skip the AEM.
According to Billman, 04-05 are the most reliable model years. So something else to consider. But the car is incredibly reliable in all model years, so that isn't saying that much.

Chuck S

I've never understood the hesitation some have for DBW systems. I drove a different car for 5 or 6 years before I discovered there was no cable to the throttle plate! I've driven very few other S2000s but have never noticed any throttle response difference. Everyone of the 5 cars in our family are DBW as, I'll bet are most of everyone's. DBW is a requirement for stability assist and traction control. If you want a more "raw" bit of driving and don't mind spinning the car then simply press the VSA button on the panel and shut it off. I know it saved my butt when I encountered a section of soapy road at a local car wash.

Back to seats:

I believe the 2006 and later seats have sensors in them or their mounting hardware that feeds data to the stability control module in the ECU so any seat replacement will need to account for that (or confirm it exists -- I could have dreamed this! ). As noted the helmet hole is a nice styling touch but doesn't otherwise to anything I can determine.

-- Chuck

silenc3x

I know, I know. I doubt I'd actually notice a difference myself from normal day-to-day driving, I just prefer mechanical throttle linkage. DBW may be quick enough, but it will never be AS quick. Even if the difference is milliseconds.